Louisville forward Montrezl Harrell dunks in the first half. Louisville played North Carolina A&T in a second round game in the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, Thursday, March 21, 2013 at Rupp Arena in Lexington . Photo by Jonathan Palmer Herald-Leader

Louisville forward Montrezl Harrell dunks in the first half. Louisville played North Carolina A&T in a second round game in the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, Thursday, March 21, 2013 at Rupp Arena in Lexington . Photo by Jonathan Palmer Herald-Leader

NCAA in Rupp: Louisville's Montrezl Harrell embraces the pressure

When Louisville's basketball team needs a pick-me-up, the answer is not an energy drink. Most often, it's Montrezl Harrell.

It's a role that the 6-foot-8, 235-pound freshman from Tarboro, N.C., embraces.

"I just try to get out there, just fly all over the place and cause havoc," Harrell said after Friday's NCAA Regional practice in Rupp Arena. "That's the type of defense we play. So I just try to be all over the court — on the defensive end, on the offensive end. Just try to stay close around the rim and I hope my teammates find me, which they do."

Yes, they do.

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Averaging 5.7 points and 3.7 rebounds, Harrell has scored in double digits six times. He netted 20 points and seven rebounds in U of L's Big East Tournament championship victory over Syracuse.

He originally signed with Virginia Tech, but de-committed after Coach Seth Greenberg was fired. Florida, Alabama, South Carolina and Cincinnati all made offers. So did Kentucky.

"I was (considering UK) for a little bit," Harrell said. "But I kind of felt like this was a better fit for me. Kentucky plays an up-and-down tempo, but Louisville plays much better pressure, getting out there, and that's something that I like to play.

"So I just kind of feel like this was a better choice for me. I got here, and it's been a great choice ever since."

Harrell averaged 25.2 points and 13.6 rebounds last season at Hargrave Military Academy. In one game, a 122-119 overtime victory, he had 51 points, 18 dunks, 17 rebounds and six blocks.

With a 7-foot-4 wing span, he'll be counted on Saturday to help neutralize Colorado State on the boards. The Rams lead the nation with a plus-12.4 rebounding advantage.

"Colorado State's a good rebounding team. ... We've just got to box out," Harrell said. "This is a huge game where everybody has to rebound. One through five has to rebound."

Harrell plans to add his personal touch, too.

"When I get out there, I just want to have a lot of energy and hope that my team feeds off that."